ST4 Tech Explorations - Tech Exploration II

			Popplet and the Engineering Design Process Workshop Posted: October 2012 Workplace Employability Skills: COMMUNICATE (write and speak so others pay attention and understand), MANAGE INFORMATION (locate, gather, and organize information using appropriate technology and information systems), PARTICIPATE IN PROJECTS AND TASKS (select and use appropriate tools and technology for a task or project), WORK WITH OTHERS (contribute to a team by sharing information and expertise) Instructional Strategies: Facilitate and Inspire Student Learning and Creativity, Design and Develop Digital Age Learning Experiences and Assessments, Model Digital Age Work and Learning What is a Popplet? Popplet is an online tool that can be used for mind mapping, collaboration, and even presentations. Popplet is a great tool for both teachers and students. We've used Popplet to collaboratively brainstorm, create step-by-step instructions, and give presentations. One of the best things about Popplet is that it's easy to learn and easy to use. Start by watching this video.

			Overview In this Tech Exploration you will explore how you can use Popplet in your classroom.


			Activity #1: Create Your First Popplet Step 1: Create a Popplet Account Got your account? Great! Now watch this video to see how Popplet works. Now that you've seen how Popplet works. You're ready to create your very first Popplet. Why not create a Popplet about your favorite TV show or Book? Play around with the text and drawing tools. Add some pictures and video from the web. Dare to Share: Share a link to your Popplet on Goolge+ using the hashtags #st4stem #myfirstpopplet.

			Activity #2: Collaborative Brainstorming Brainstorming is one of the first steps of the Design Based Learning (DBL) process. Popplet is a great Information Communications Technology (ICT) tool that you can use for collaborative brainstorming on the computer or iPad. Using an ICT tool for collaborative brainstorming has some advantages over paper and pencil brainstorming. First off, by using Popplet, all students get a chance to voice their ideas and be heard. Second, the ideas can be easily moved around and connected to (or disconnected from) each other. Students can add drawings, pictures, and video to clarify ideas. And finally, the brainstorming session doesn't end when class does. Students can log-in later and add any new ideas. Here's a Collaborative Popplet a group of undergraduate education students made while having a "discussion" of Web 2.0 and ICT. There's quite a bit going on (and a little silliness), but they've shared some wonderful insights. Note that you can interact with the Popplet in the window below, or click on the arrows in the lower right corner to open this Popplet full screen. Popplet tags each Popplet with the creator's name so that you know who created it. You may have also noticed that you can't edit or delete other people's Popplets. Now create your own Popplet and share it with some friends so that you can experience just how Collaborative editing in Popplet works.

			Activity #3: Planning your Design Popplet works well as a planning tool for the design process. Students can work collaboratively or individually and record details about their design plan. They can include sketches of designs, photos of parts, and even videos. Have you realized yet that you probably use the design process every day? Think about it, when you create lessons and activities for your students, you're using the design process. First you brainstorm ideas, then you write a plan, next you teach it, then you evaluate how it went. You might re-design the lesson for the next class period (or next year), and if it worked really well, you'll share your success with colleagues. Take a minute to think about a activity that you already do or one you want to try that you can turn into a short (1-2 class period) lesson for your students. Use Popplet to map out the design of your lesson. Check out the sample below to get ideas. I've used one of the activities from Design Squad to create this lesson map. Dare to Share: When you're done, post a link to your Popplet on Google+ and tag it #st4stem #designpopplet.

			Reflect and Share After completing Activities 1-3, post a reflection including your thoughts and ideas, tips, or tricks for using Popplet on Google+. Use the hashtags #st4stem and #techexplorations. Like to Know More? If you enjoyed this learning opportunity and would like to learn more, please continue with the other Tech Explorations in CTE and/or join the ST4 Fellowship Opportunity.